Terry Foster: President | Président @ Ehm & Co

Ancien de la Western University Alumni

When did you graduate from Western? Which History program did you take?

I graduated from Western in 1999. I did both an undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in History. My MA thesis was called “Altered Destinies: Quantrill’s Guerillas and the Civil War in Western Missouri” which focused on counterrevolutionary social banditry in Kansas/Missouri border region during the American Civil War.

How did your History degree prepare you for your current position (assuming that it in fact did so)?

I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without my education at Western. My training in history initially broadened my very limited temporal sphere. I immersed myself in new ideas, opposing points of view and interesting theories. I was taught to question and challenge what I was learning as well as to understand and communicate complex thoughts. This developed my critical thinking and creative problem solving skills which are essential in any line of work.

Do you have any thoughts or comments about the study of History and its possible place or places in a larger career or life path?

A degree in history is the foundation for lifelong learning and sparks an endless curiosity which are essential ingredients in the recipe for success. It gives you the discipline and work ethic to succeed at anything you put your mind to.

What advice would you offer to current or prospective History students, based on your own experiences?

Your degree does not limit your choices post-graduation; you are only limited by your abilities and aptitude. The focus and discipline needed to complete your education will serve you well in everything you set out to accomplish in your life.

How have you been engaged since you graduated? What is your current position?

When I graduated from Western I immediately moved to London, England with the goal of traveling around Europe with no particular focus or purpose other than the gaining the experience of an ex-pat living abroad. Living in London was a profound experience for me.

It offered me opportunities that wouldn’t have been available otherwise. One of those opportunities led to the beginning of my career in the media intelligence software industry. I have run companies in this space in London, New York and Toronto. I am also involved in the start-up community and sit on the board of number of companies including Sales For Life (One of Profit Magazine’s Top 50 startups of 2016), Limelight Platform, ExpertFile and Thordon Bearings.

In addition, I am also one of the co-authors of Fender: The Golden Age 1946-1970, the best-selling book which furthered the historiography of that iconic company (an opportunity to put my history training to good use!)

My current position is President of Ehm & Co., an award-winning influencer marketing / native advertising agency. We are experts at the art of connecting brands with moms.